Is the 2016 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia RIO is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia RIO have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Kia RIO

◆ Worse than typical

2016 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:37.897Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 79
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 79 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	3
2001	223
2002	128
2003	74
2004	38
2005	37
2006	74
2007	46
2008	46
2009	39
2010	26
2011	24
2012	54
2013	153
2014	52
2015	52
2016	79
2017	31
2018	28
2019	22
2020	27
2021	15
2022	12
2023	12

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

49% · 39 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly began bucking, lost power, and lost oil. The engine compartment immediately caught fire. The fire was entirely non-collision related and required immediate extinguishing.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-19

Also filed under Electrical system

I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-29

Also filed under Service brakes and electrical system

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Kia RIO. A minute after the contact exited the vehicle, it caught on fire. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-23

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

Service brakes

23% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIRE

Electrical system

11% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

FIRE

Power train

6% · 5 reports

Air bags

6% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

ON 9/21/2026 AT 3:18AM WAS GETTING OFF TURNPIKE Becker rd. 128 CAME TO A STOP LIGHT WHEN a truck plowed in the back of me then took off. hit me so hard the car shut off. i started the car back up after a few minutes did not see anyone and drove home.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-22

On September 16, 2016 at APPROXIMATELY9:12PM, I [xxx] , had just picked up a passenger was involved in a car accident .

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-08

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 79 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2023-10-19Latches/locks/linkages23V594000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
R

2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 39 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 23V594000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

201731

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Kia RIO reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia RIO is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia RIO?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia RIO have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.